The Courant CSC-5036ST pairs a stainless steel body with a 280W element and a 2.5 qt capacity, priced at $89.97 and rated 4.5 stars from 282 reviews. It is a premium-priced compact unit that justifies its cost mainly through build quality and finish.
Singles or couples who want a well-built, premium-looking compact slow cooker and do not mind paying more for the stainless steel aesthetic and sturdier construction.
Skip if
You want the most capacity per dollar. At $89.97 for 2.5 quarts, this is significantly more expensive than competing units of the same size. If budget matters most, alternatives at half the price offer similar capacity.
Capacity 2.5 qt
Power 280 W
Material Stainless Steel
Controls Touch
Color Stainless Steel
Dimensions 12 X 9 X 21 In
Priced 78% above the category median ($50.51 across 49 tracked models)
Capacity of 2.5 qt - smaller than 67% of the 50 models we track
Power of 280 W - higher than 61% of the 50 models we track
Pros
280W heating element is strong for a 2.5 qt unit, enabling faster heat-up
Stainless steel body and finish is durable and easy to clean
4.5-star rating from 282 reviews indicates reliable satisfaction
Touch controls provide a clean, uncluttered interface
Cons
At $89.97 for 2.5 qt, value per quart is low compared to competitors
21-inch height may make cabinet storage awkward
7 lb weight is heavy for a small-capacity unit
No programmable timer or auto-warm listed in specs
Our scorecard
4.4/5overall
Owner rating4.5/5
4.5 average across 282 owner ratings
Popularity1.1/5
282 owner reviews, fewer than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other slow cookers, electric pressure and rice cookers, sous vide, food dehydrators, egg cookers, popcorn poppers, and ice cream and shaved ice machines we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
The Courant CSC-5036ST is a 2.5-quart slow cooker with a stainless steel body, 280W of power, and a notably tall build at 12 by 9 by 21 inches. That 21-inch height is unusual and likely reflects a stacked or two-tier design rather than a standard pot shape, though the specs do not clarify further. At 7 lb, it is on the heavier side for a 2.5 qt unit.
The 280W element is strong for the capacity, which means this unit should heat up faster and maintain temperature more firmly than low-wattage alternatives in the same size class. Touch controls and stainless steel finish complete the package with a clean, uniform look.
At $89.97, this is a premium buy for the capacity. The 4.5-star average from 282 reviews suggests buyers are satisfied, though the review count is modest. Buyers choosing this model are likely prioritizing build quality and appearance over per-quart value.
Performance notes
The 280W rating is meaningfully higher than the 90 to 120W elements found in many 2.5 qt competitors, which translates to faster temperature buildup and better heat maintenance. The stainless steel body is a good exterior material for heat retention. The unusual 12 x 9 x 21 inch dimensions suggest a taller-than-typical design that may be relevant for countertop placement.
What buyers say
With 282 reviews and a 4.5-star average, buyers report a generally positive experience. The review count is small enough that the average has more room to shift than higher-volume products, but nothing in the data signals widespread quality problems. Buyers appear to find it delivers on what they paid for.
Similar slow cookers, electric pressure and rice cookers, sous vide, food dehydrators, egg cookers, popcorn poppers, and ice cream and shaved ice machines to consider
Why is the Courant CSC-5036ST so much more expensive than other 2.5 qt slow cookers?
The stainless steel construction, 280W heating element, and the Courant brand positioning in a more premium tier contribute to the price. For buyers who care about a cohesive stainless kitchen aesthetic and want a compact cooker that feels more substantial than a budget unit, the premium is understandable. For buyers focused purely on cooking function and cost, there are less expensive alternatives that hold the same volume.
Is the 21-inch height a problem for most kitchens?
Twenty-one inches is quite tall for a countertop appliance, roughly the height of a standard toaster oven. Under most kitchen cabinets, which typically have 18 inches of clearance from counter to cabinet bottom, this unit would not fit upright on the counter. You would need to use it on an open surface or check your specific cabinet clearance before purchasing.
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